Did you know that over 400,000 sewer blockages happen every year in the United States? According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, half of these sewer blockages are due to grease buildup. In order to prevent these blockages, it's important to understand grease traps, grease trap pumping services, and how they work. Here is everything you should know about grease traps, including how often they need to be pumped out and what to do if you see a grease trap spill.

What Is a Grease Trap?

A grease trap, also known as a grease interceptor, is a device that is installed in the drainage line of a kitchen. Its purpose is to capture grease and oil before it has a chance to enter the sewer system. Grease traps are important because they help keep our sewers clean and functioning properly.

How Do Grease Traps Work?

Grease traps work by allowing water to flow through while trapping grease and oil. The grease and oil float to the top of the trap where it's then captured. Over time, the grease and oil will build up in the trap and will need to be removed. This is done by pumping out the grease trap with a grease trap pumping service.

How Often Do Grease Traps Need to Be Pumped?

How often a grease trap needs to be pumped out depends on a number of factors, including the size of the grease trap and the amount of grease that is being generated. A good rule of thumb is to have your grease trap pumped out every three to six months.

If you see a grease trap spill, it's important to clean it up immediately. This will help prevent the grease from entering the sewer system. To clean up a grease trap spill, you'll need to remove the grease and oil from the surface of the water. You can do this by skimming it off with a spoon or a paper towel. Once you have removed as much of the grease and oil as possible, you should flush the area with clean water.

Grease traps are an important part of keeping our sewer systems clean. By understanding how they work and how often they need to be pumped out, you can help prevent grease build-up in your pipes. If you have any questions or need a grease trap pumping service, give 1st Choice Grease Service a call today.